Retreat on ‘facing the hard stuff with hope’ Nov. 22-23

“Letting in the Light: Facing the Hard Stuff with Hope” will be the topic of a retreat at St. John Church, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood, Nov. 22-23.The presenter will be Pat Livingston, a speaker on spirituality who has gained recognition for her storytelling style and her ability to find the presence of God in everyday life.“She opens our eyes to see the mystery of God right where we are,” said the late Father Henri J. M. Nouwen, one of the most well-read and prolific Catholic spirituality authors in recent years.Livingston is the author of a book with the same title as the retreat theme, “Letting in the Light,” as well as two others, “This Blessed Mess” and “Lessons of the Heart: Celebrating the Rhythms of Life.” A grandmother, Livingston is the former associate director of the Center for Continuing Formation in Ministry at the University of Notre Dame. She was awarded the U.S. Catholic Award for furthering the cause of women in the church. Livingston will speak at the church on Friday, Nov. 22, 7-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. A freewill offering will be taken.